When it comes to storage, Mum’s the word
Q. Tell us a bit about you:
I’m a freelance journalist and copywriter, and write for a number of technology, business and HR magazines and websites. I’m based in Lancashire and previously worked on magazines like Computing and InformationAge.
Q – Tell us a little bit about the blogs you write and their interest in data storage:
I contribute to ZDNet on storage issues but my blogs are actually more personal interest – I write a parenting and family blog called Who’s the Mummy and a blog about social media and journalism called Blogger.Ed.
Q – Are you a full-time blogger? If not give us an insight into the other parts of your working life.
I do various things – I write blogs, I organise an awards ceremony for bloggers called the MADs, I run an index of blogs called the Tots100 and in between that I do copywriting and journalism
Q – How many storage events do you attend each year?
One or two, tops.
Q. -What types of stories or companies are likely to attract your attention this year?
This year, it’s looking for companies that have managed to do something actually innovative while reducing capital spend and operating costs. The holy grail, basically.
Q. How many interviews do you do per week?
Two or three a day, on average.
Q – What’s the best way to pitch a story to you? Email? Phone? Twitter? By mail?
Email, but if you just want to chat, Twitter. (@swhittle)
Q. – Who is worth listening to?
Dennis Howlett, for entertainment and information.
Q. – What’s your favourite blog?
Probably not a storage or technology blog! I read TechCrunch and Pocket Lint but I read a lot of more general blogs, too.
Q – What is your favourite piece of technology?
Possibly my sat-nav. I have the world’s worst sense of direction. Oh, and I have a USB storage device made to look exactly like a Porsche key fob.
Q – What is the best piece of advice for companies pitching stories?
Keep it concise, remember the client isn’t the story in most cases, and if you can’t prove it, don’t claim it.
Q – What was the best press trip you’ve ever been on? Why was it so great? Any tips for PRs planning trips/events for bloggers?
Too many to mention, really, I’m very fortunate to do a job I love and travel in the process. I would always advise PRs to think about the basics – does the venue have wireless, a cell phone signal, access to telephones? Because even the poshest hotel becomes annoying if we can’t get online to work.
Q – What’s your favourite restaurant?
I have a soft spot for Rules, in Covent Garden, but I’m easily pleased with Wagamama, too.
Q – Are you a social media lover? Which ones are you on? FB? LinkedIn? Twitter?
Yes, and I’m on all of them. Except FriendFeed, which I don’t quite see the point of.
Q – Tell us something no-one knows about you? Do you have any unusual or unexpected hobbies/interests? Do you have a claim to fame?
I was once sick on a Spice Girl. [NB: If anyone’s wondering, it was Ginger Spice.]
Countdown 2 Storage Expo 